EcoRib Advanced Edge Road Line Marking
QMS EcoRib Logo

EcoRib™ – Technical and Environmental Product Overview

Technical Sheet

Introduction

EcoRib™ is an advanced edge line road marking system designed to maximise safety, durability, and sustainability.

It is engineered from a two-component Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) cold-applied viscous resin combined with a single-component, solvent-free acrylic.

The system incorporates high refractive index glass beads, broadcast via a mechanically controlled and calibrated

system, producing exceptionally high levels of retro-reflectivity in both dry and wet night conditions.

Once cured, EcoRib™ forms a structured, profiled rib configuration at precisely defined intervals. This design enhances night-time visibility while generating an audible and tactile “rumble effect” when driven over, providing drivers with an immediate warning if they drift from their lane.

EcoRib™ is installed using specialised, computer-controlled application equipment to ensure precise rib spacing and height. The solvent-free acrylic overspray forms a bonded surface layer, securing the glass beads and further extending durability and retro-reflectivity.

Technical Description

Precision Application

  • The ribbed profile is installed using electronically controlled machines calibrated for accuracy and compliance with TSRGD specifications (Diagrams 1012.2 and 1012.3).
  • Rib spacing and height are consistently maintained for safety and reliability.
  • Following rib installation, the line is oversprayed using QMS HyperLine™ ULTRA, creating a solid surface marking that supports water run-off and maximises optical performance.

Bead Technology

EcoRib™ integrates miniature high-index glass beads broadcast onto the acrylic overspray. This ensures durable adhesion, optimal embedment, and consistently high levels of retro-reflectivity, even under challenging wet-night driving conditions.

Colours and Customisation

Available in standard white, with other colours supplied subject to minimum order requirements.

Locations of Use

EcoRib™ has been developed for applications where existing ribline has deteriorated to a point where overmarking is no longer viable — specifically:

  • When rib height has worn below 6 mm (Motorway) and 3 mm (Dual-Carriageway).
  • When markings are crumbling or delaminating.

After removal of the existing ribline, the surface is mechanically swept to eliminate dust or contaminants before installation begins. This is achieved through a two-machine process:

  1. Rib profile installation using a durable MMA resin.
  2. Overspray with HyperLine™ ULTRA, delivering a solid line with optimised drainage and long-term performance.

Performance

EcoRib™ has been rigorously tested and achieved Road Trial Certification with the following BS1436 performance levels:

  • P5, R4, RR2, RW2, S2, Q2

With HyperLine™ ULTRA overspray, retro-reflectivity results consistently exceed 500 mcd/m2/lux with outstanding durability.

Health & Safety Benefits

EcoRib™ is a cold-applied system with no heat requirement for materials, tools, or equipment. This ensures:

  • Zero burn risk for operatives, eliminating one of the most common thermoplastic-related injuries.
  • Improved on-site safety, with no risk of hot materials to road users or pedestrians.
  • Cleaner application logistics, removing the need for fossil-fuel burners or heating equipment.

Daily Shift Outputs

• Up to 5,000 linear metres per shift

This high productivity supports efficient project delivery on major highways and arterial networks.

Surface Preparation

The surface to receive EcoRib™ is to be clean, dry and free from contaminates such as dirt, grease, oils and road salt. Pre-cleaning of the surface using mechanical sweeping or forced drying would be determined during a pre-site inspection.

Calculation of the dew point is critical for any surface treatment installation. This is determined by calculating the air temperature together with the humidity. In situations where the ground temperature is below the calculated dew point, forced drying and heating of the road surface is usually possible to maintain progress for installation.

Guarantee and Life Expectancy

  • Guaranteed Performance – 36 months
  • Typical Life Expectancy – 5 years

The combination of the structured rib system and HyperLine™ ULTRA overspray ensures long-term durability and superior retro-reflectivity.

Ongoing Maintenance

When EcoRib™ performance falls below expectations but remains above minimum specification levels, it can be oversprayed with yperLine™ ULTRA to restore retro-reflectivity.

Importantly, there is no requirement to remove the rib structure, as rib height remains above the 6 mm minimum throughout the functional life of the road surface.

This reduces waste generation, minimises surface disturbance and helps to limit ocean microplastic release. This reduces waste, surface disturbance, and environmental impact.

Environmental Benefits

Carbon Footprint Reduction

EcoRib™ eliminates the need for heated equipment, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. For 1,000 m2 of road marking, lifecycle analysis shows:

  • EcoRib™: 7,240 kg CO2
  • Thermoplastic: 10,080 kg CO2

This equates to an initial saving of 2,840 kg CO2 (28%).

Over a ten-year period, including maintenance oversprays:

• EcoRib™ (2 HyperLine™ ULTRA visits): 8,122 kg CO2
• Thermoplastic (3 oversprays): 21,840 kg CO2

This represents a ten-year reduction of 13,718 kg CO2 (63%) per 1,000 m2.

Material Savings and Microplastic Reduction

Road markings contribute up to 7% of global ocean microplastics. EcoRib™ significantly reduces this impact through extended durability and reduced material use:

  • EcoRib™: 7,900 kg (initial application + two oversprays)
  • Thermoplastic: 19,000 kg (initial application + three oversprays)

This results in a reduction of 11,100 kg (58%) for every 1,000
m2 (5,000 m of 200 mm wide line).

When scaled nationally to the estimated 29,000,000 metres of profiled edge line in the UK, EcoRib™ could prevent 64,380 tonnes of material entering the environment every ten years.

Conclusion

EcoRib™ represents a step forward in edge line marking technology, combining:

  • Superior visibility and retro-reflectivity in both dry and wet-night conditions.
  • Enhanced safety features, including tactile and audible ribbing.
  • Extended life expectancy, reducing maintenance interventions.
  • Substantial environmental benefits – up to 63% CO2 savings and 58% reductions in potential microplastic release.

By implementing EcoRib™, stakeholders are investing in a durable, high-performance system while making a measurable contribution to road safety, environmental protection, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Blue Curve

Let QMS deliver beyond your expectations,
talk to our team today

01626 836 777
EXCELLENT
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5.0.7
Based on 31 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Sam Mellor-Clark profile picture
Sam Mellor-Clark
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
There has been a couple of crews doing the lining and antiskid works local to me on the new surfacing project on Callington road, Tavistock and the quality of work is spot on. Its done nothing but rain here for the last 2 months and as someone who spent over 25 years lining I can appreciate what they`ve been up against, especially with anti skid and MMA lining materials.
Posted on Google Google
Dejan Maric profile picture
Dejan Maric
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The attention to quality and detail within this company is very high and customer concerns are always rectified, leading to high client retention. The company invests heavily into training and development for its staff with some of the best equipment available.
Posted on Google Google
Catherine Harvey profile picture
Catherine Harvey
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Greg and all the team are professional, friendly and passionate about the work they deliver. I would always recommend QMS for any line marking needs as there attention to detail and care is shown in the work delivered.
Posted on Google Google
Alison Lott profile picture
Alison Lott
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent service - friendly, polite, helpful. Had my Disabled bay marked out quickly and efficiently, after a 5½ month wait for Highways! Thanks guys. Thanks guys
Posted on Google Google
Dan Druft profile picture
Dan Druft
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Everyone is so helpful
Posted on Google Google
Timothy White profile picture
Timothy White
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had them out a few times to our Production sites, and the level of communication with the quality of work is just what we were after! I would recommend them!
Posted on Google Google
Luke Davis profile picture
Luke Davis
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great company! I recently used this company for a last minute job. They were really busy but they managed to squeeze me in. It’s really nice to work with a company that come out in person and really listen to what you need, and then work with you to achieve it! Thanks QMS, you were great! Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Lena Haydon profile picture
Lena Haydon
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent customer service, very good communication. The whole process was smooth and professional. Very pleased with the quality of work, would employ again and would have no hesitation recommending to others.
Leave a review on Google
01626 836 777

Contact us

01626 836 777

info@qms.uk

Fairfax Road
Newton Abbot
TQ12 6UD